Man escapes police custody after claiming to 'feel unwell' as dog and helicopter teams deployed

Man escapes police custody after claiming to 'feel unwell' as dog and helicopter teams deployedThe force are appealing for the public's help, as part of their search, after the man escaped police custody when he was taken to the hospital due to claiming that he 'felt unwell'NewsOlivia Beeson02:52, 20 Apr 2026View ImageGary Gainard has escaped police custody (Image: Avon and Somerset Police )Police are hunting for a man after he escaped police custody by claiming to 'feel unwell'.‌Gary Gainard, 47, was arrested in Bristol on Saturday, April 18, for failing to attend court on shop theft charges.‌However, following his arrest he managed to escape the custody unit and police are urging anybody with information to contact them.‌Avon and Somerset Police said that Gainard was taken from the custody unit to the Royal United Hopsital, Bath after claims he did not feel well.Here, he escaped from officers at 2.30pm.‌The force have carried out searched supported by a dog unit and with a National Police Air Service Helicopter but Gainard remains at large.The 47-year-old is described as being around five foot five, and white, with short brown hair. According to the police he has links to south Bristol.A spokesperson for the force said: "We're trying to trace Gary Gainard, 47, wanted for escaping lawful custody.Article continues below"He was arrested in Bristol on Saturday, April 18, for failing to attend court on shop theft charges, but escaped after being taken from custody to hospital in Bath."If you see him, please call 999 ref 5226106044."